By: Maria Williams
The incredibly talented and energetic punk-pop rockers known as ROCKET have banged heads with their fun, captivating tunes for years. From their growing fanbase to their amazing catalog of songs, ROCKET has established itself as a powerhouse worthy of attention.
You may know the Los Angeles-based ROCKET from their explosive live shows, which have included iconic venues like the Troubadour and the Knitting Factory. They were also finalist for the Road To The Vans Warped Tour. However, you’re sure to know and remember them after hearing their latest single, a cover of The Cult’s classic “She Sells Sanctuary.”
Since being released in late July, the single has exploded in popularity with new and old fans. It is their popular song on Spotify, with over 190,000 streams. The track also peaked at #8 on the official iTunes alternative charts.
ROCKET’s version of “She Sells Sanctuary” pays incredible homage to The Cult’s classic song and can be described as a revamped and honorable tribute to the rock legends. The performance note for note sounds just as clean and tight as the original, yet flavored with that distinctive ROCKET edge, takes a fresh direction sonically. Lead vocalist Janelle does a remarkable job adding her vocal flair, embodying a strong, confident delivery that undeniably makes it her own. The rest of the band fills in perfectly to create a unique wall of sound, completing a fantastic rendition.
We had the honor of sitting down with ROCKET for an exclusive look into what inspires them during the songwriting process, what they want fans to take away from their music, and fun facts that may surprise you.
Who have been your musical influences that you look to for inspiration?
“Chris Cornell and Soundgarden, with their heavy, melodic, guitar-driven songs and killer lead vocals. U2 for their innovative signature sound and ability to change musical gears while never losing that spark that ignited the band. Lastly, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Stone Temple Pilots created a musical path that helped lead us to find each other and ultimately form ROCKET.”
The band is no stranger to the songwriting process. They have been writing songs for years, both as ROCKET and with previous bands. Their collective dynamic range feels endless.
Your catalog of songs contains all sorts of different vibes and meanings, but are you writing, or have you written, a song that has a deeper meaning for you all as a band?
“We have a song entitled Lightning Bolt about how prominent the human mind is in creating your reality. How important it is to control what you tell yourself. The verses are all negative self-talk, while the chorus asks, ‘But what if you tell yourself’ a whole array of super positive and powerful affirmations instead? Songs of positive mental health and self-talk are needed more than ever. This song is on all streaming platforms and ready for all ears!”
From recording at legendary EastWest Recording Studios, where their heroes like Green Day and Red Hot Chili Peppers reigned, to collaborating with Grammy Nominated Producer Mark Needham, ROCKET is a punk juggernaut with no signs of slowing down. This should come as no surprise, especially with the success of “She Sells Sanctuary,” in addition to sharing the stage with incredible acts like Alien Ant Farm, Missing Persons, Bow Wow Wow, and Puddle Of Mudd.
What is the number one thing you want fans to know about your music and take away from listening to it?
“We want our fans to know that sharing our music with them can help make their time here a bit better, a little easier, and more fun. Our music is mostly made to move ourselves, inspire others, and create a community. We pride ourselves on giving that extra charge of positive energy, a chance to be entertained, to hear something unique, and to have a place where they belong. If our songs help our fans think, grow, and express their feelings in the process…that’s the ultimate!”
With so many incredible feats already, we couldn’t help but wonder which achievement to date ROCKET is most proud of:
“Creating ROCKET, keeping the band together for over a decade, and continuing to press forward against all odds!”
As ROCKET continues to write and produce new songs with their high-energy sonics, exciting lyrics, and unforgettable punk-pop style, their newly-branded website allows fans the opportunity to become VIPs, gaining access to fan-exclusive offerings such as merch bundles signed by the band. There is anticipation for more new music from the group and additional live shows in the future.
With their undeniable talent and growth as artists, ROCKET is surely a band to follow closely as they continue to leave their mark on the new punk-pop scene. Tell your friends about “She Sells Sanctuary” available on all streaming platforms!
Published by: Josh Tatunay
